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Cypher: meaning, definitions and examples

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cypher

 

[ หˆsaษชfษ™r ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

secret code

A cypher is a method of transforming text in order to keep its meaning hidden. It often involves substituting letters or altering the way information is presented so that it can only be understood by someone who knows the key to the cypher. Historically, cyphers have been used in various forms of communication to secure confidential information. They are essential in both espionage and data protection in modern times.

Synonyms

cipher, code, encryption, secret writing

Examples of usage

  • The message was written using a complex cypher.
  • She used a cypher to encode her diary entries.
  • During the war, soldiers sent messages in cyphers to avoid detection.
Context #2 | Verb

to encode

To cypher means to encode a message using a cypher method. This involves taking plain text and applying a systematic alteration to it so that it becomes unreadable to anyone who does not possess the necessary knowledge to decode it. This action has been crucial in historical contexts for securing military communications and protecting sensitive information.

Synonyms

encode, encrypt, scramble

Examples of usage

  • He learned how to cypher messages during his training.
  • The team decided to cypher their communications for privacy.
  • It is essential to cypher important data when sending it online.

Translations

Translations of the word "cypher" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cifrar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเค‡เคซเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zypher

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sandi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะธั„ั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szyfr

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ตใ‚คใƒ•ใ‚กใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท chiffre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cifrador

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸifre

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•”ํ˜ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดูุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกifrovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกifrovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฏ†็ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลกifrirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรณรฐun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะธั„ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ˜แƒคแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸifrษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cifrado

Etymology

The word 'cypher' originates from the Arabic word 'sifr', which means 'zero' or 'nothing'. This term eventually passed into Latin as 'cifra', meaning 'a numeral'. In medieval times, the concept of cyphering expanded from its mathematical roots to encompass the art of secret writing, especially in warfare and diplomacy. The transition of the word into different languages and its evolution captured the growing need for securing communication in various cultures. By the 17th century, the spelling 'cypher' became popular in English, and the term became synonymous with secret codes and methods of encryption.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,939, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.